Rocky Mountain High: Geology Field Camp Alumni Reflect on the Course of a Lifetime

During the past 77 years, hundreds of LSU geology students have made camp, trod paths, and explored the terrain around the LSU Field Camp site. They experienced hands-on training in the field and learned life lessons along the way. Here's what a few recent alumni have to say about their experiences.

Betsy Ellis
Freshman Camp 2000

"My experience at camp helped me obtain my first internship, which gave me the industry experience I needed to get a rewarding job with a company I'd wanted to work for since my freshman year. It was a lot of hard work, but it was also a lot of fun. At camp, I pulled my first all-nighter, pitched my own tent, climbed rock formations that most people only read about, dug for fossils, had a snowball fight in July, and so much more."

Caleb Fontenot
Senior Camp 2003

"Out there, it doesn't matter what you drive; we all hike just about everywhere we go. It doesn't matter what kind of clothes you wear; they will all look the same after six weeks of hard use. The primitive living, hard work, good food, and great friendship make you realize what you can live without and still be the happiest you've ever been. Everybody is on a level playing field, and you realize the importance of your relationships with those around you."

Kathryn Jenkins
Senior Camp 2003

"So far in my life, nothing can compare to my experience at field camp. I developed several friendships that I am sure will last a lifetime. And traveling through Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico exposed me to places and geology that I might not have had the chance to see otherwise. You learn a lot about yourself when isolated from all the things you consider normal. I gained new confidence in myself from spending six weeks away from home and feel there is nothing I cannot accomplish."

Jay Smith
Senior Camp 2004

"A fellow camper described it better than I ever could: 'I knew the work would be a challenge--a real physical experience. I knew the problems would be hard--a mental experience. But I had no idea that it would be such a spiritual experience.'"

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Contact Marybeth Pinsonneault | LSU University Relations
Highlights Team
Spring 2005

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